Lough Ree RNLI rescue four tourists from boat stuck on rocks

THOSE heading out on the lake are being urged to wear lifejackets, after four people ran into difficulty when their boat got stuck on Slate Rock near Yew Point, north of Hodson Bay on the Roscommon shore of Lough Ree.

The incident occurred at around 11am yesterday morning when Lough Ree RNLI inshore lifeboat crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard in Malin Head to go to the assistance of the group.

Conditions were very calm with a very gentle south easterly breeze.

The inshore lifeboat, the Eric Rowse with helm Stan Bradbury, and crew members Liam Sherringham and Kieran Scullion on board where quickly on the scene and checked that everyone on the boat was ok.

After several unsuccessful attempts to remove the boat from the rocks, it was decided to bring the four people on board to Hodson Bay before returning to the Lifeboat Station.

Speaking after the callout, Lifeboat Operations Manager, Tony McCarth said, "As the lovely weather continues we would like to remind anyone heading out on the lake to wear a lifejacket. If you are not sure if your lifejacket is suitable for use, please contact us and we can arrange for a member of our Community Lifesaving Team to assess it for you.”